Distinguished biblical scholar Frank Matera here views the theology of the Pauline letters through the lens of the saving grace that Paul experienced at his call and conversion. Focusing on Christology, soteriology, theology, anthropology, ecclesiology, ethics, and eschatology, Matera explores both the unity and the diversity of the thirteen Pauline letters.

Written in a clear and coherent style, God's Saving Grace presents students, professors, and pastors with a comprehensive yet concise and accessible overview of the theology found in the entire corpus of Paul's letters.

REVIEWS

John P. Meier— University of Notre Dame"Throughout my years of teaching, I have learned to look to Frank Matera as a sure guide to the thought of Paul. His commentaries on Paul's various epistles are sterling examples of profound thought expressed with clarity and simplicity. This new distillation of Matera's thought on Paul is to be welcomed by all teachers of the New Testament."

Marion L. Soards— Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary"Clarity of thought and expression distinguishes this fresh (and refreshing) contribution to the study of Pauline theology. Matera sets for himself the bold task of explaining how the thirteen different Pauline letters are related to and cohere with one another theologically. . . . This volume is a must for all who are interested in Pauline theology."

Michael J. Gorman— St. Mary's Seminary"For some time now we have needed a contemporary Pauline theology that considers all thirteen letters without overlooking the differences among them. Frank Matera has given us just such a book. It embodies the solid, careful, yet creative scholarship for which he is known. Most importantly, Matera rightly stresses the grace of God in Christ that grabbed hold of Paul and shaped both his life and his theology. This book will enrich our understanding of that amazing grace."

Paul J. Achtemeier— Union Presbyterian Seminary"Written with his usual clarity of organization and thought, Matera here presents a treatment of Pauline theology based on the Pauline material in the New Testament, not a theology of the historic Paul as best as we can recover it. . . . The volume represents a solid discussion of the Pauline theology upon which the church has drawn since its inception. The book is worth a careful reading."

A. Andrew Das— Elmhurst College"Frank Matera's God's Saving Grace is the much-anticipated culmination of a lifetime of work. . . . Students will reap rewards from the comprehensive, yet manageable overview of the coherent message of the letters. Instructors will appreciate the confident, diplomatic course Matera steers through knotty issues. The result is simply elegant."

Theological Book Review"An in-depth and interesting presentation of the theology found within the books associated to Paul. . . . Matera does not fail to raise and address a range of challenges that crop up when attempting a Pauline theology. A great resource."

Theological Studies"An outstanding example of biblical theology. . . . Matera's Pauline theology is the work of an accomplished scholar. A distillation of many years of studying, teaching, and writing about Paul, the book is a model of erudition made accessible to nonspecialists. . . . I can give no higher recommendation than to say that I have recently used this book with great profit in my course on Paul and his writings."

Trinity Journal"Frank Matera draws upon his considerable expertise in Pauline studies to create a clear and insightful synthesis of the theology of Paul's letters. . . . Matera's book is characterized by both keen attention to the details of Paul's letters and sufficient interaction with major thinkers in the field. . . . A concise yet enriching overview of the theology of Paul's letters. Readers will glean immediate benefits from the book and find it a resource worth revisiting."

Catholic Library World"Matera's book addresses the major theological themes of all thirteen epistles attributed to Paul, including those of disputed authorship. . . . Recommended as a Bible study resource for academic and parish libraries."

Interpretation"For some time, both the academy and the church have needed a Pauline theology that engages all thirteen letters without overlooking the differences among them. This is such a book: not a theology of Paul confined to the seven undisputed letters, but a theological treatment of the entire Pauline corpus, the canonical Paul."

Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society"In this welcome contribution to Pauline studies, Frank Matera gives readers a compendium of Paul's theology that is relatively concise and yet covers the breadth of the great apostle's contribution. . . . If you want a reasonably sized engagement with the thinking reflected in Paul's letters, you could hardly go astray with this book. It is clearly the product of a mature scholar who has thought long and reflected deeply on the words of Paul and their implications for understanding the Christian faith. It is well organized and clearly written. He lets Paul's letters speak for themselves in a thoroughly engaging way."

Journal of Theological Studies"I hope this affordable volume from Eerdmans will find its way into the hands of many readers of Paul and New Testament theology. In a masterly way Matera has again demonstrated his ability of conveying theology from the pages of the New Testament into a handy format for student on all levels."

Theology"A wonderful treatment, which I would recommend as an introduction to the theology of Paul's letters for students, pastors and theological minded laypeople. . . . An accessible book written in a straightforward manner that avoids bulky discussions on esoteric topics within Pauline interpretation and is to be commended as a valuable resource."

Spirit & Life"Organized and clearly written, this is a contemporary Pauline theology that looks with skill and scholarship at all thirteen letters attributed to Paul. It is a help toward understanding how Paul lived his life in terms of Christ."

Louvain Studies"It was a wonderful experience to slowly digest the various insights which Matera's rich and evocative book put before me. There are many thoughtful and reflective readings of Paul's letters to be found here."

Biblical Theology Bulletin"The task Matera sets for himself in this book is prodigious — and he accomplishes it masterfully. . . . This is an excellent summary and starting point for understanding the theology of these letters. Theologians, students, and specialists will all benefit from this excellent text."